Possession problem dogs Blues at start of new era

THE Enzo Maresca era got off to an underwhelming start on a night that showed the new Chelsea boss faces many of the roadblocks that slowed progress under Mauricio Pochettino.

- Nick Purewal

Chelsea laboured to a draw against League One side Wrexham in Santa Clara, needing a late goal from Lesley Ugochukwu to avoid defeat in the first match of their US tour.

Maresca will have been encouraged by the way his players adapted to his new tactical system for parts of the first half, but, after 10 changes at the break, some of the shine faded.

And several issues that dogged the Blues under Pochettino bared their teeth again, as both Wrexham goals came from inaccuracy in playing out from the back.